Robert E Molony

Robert E. Molony passed away after an extended illness on March 21, 2013. He died peacefully at home, surrounded by his seven children. Known to his many friends as "Bobby," he was born on August 20, 1921, in Charleston, South Carolina, the son of Henry Augustus Molony and Margaret Hering Molony. He attended public schools in the City of Charleston and graduated from Charleston High School in 1938. He also attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and lectured there during his business career. Bobby married his best friend and the love of his life, Sadie Brown Molony, on June 27, 1941, in Charleston. Shortly thereafter, he served in the U.S. Navy with a tour of duty in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. Upon his discharge in 1945, he returned to Charleston to work with his father at what was then known as the Charleston Merchants Exchange. He acquired the business from his father and it became known as the Credit Bureau of Greater Charleston. It was one of the most successful privately-owned credit bureaus in the United States. In 1987 he sold the business to a national credit reporting agency. Bobby was one of the most well-known and well-loved individuals in the community. His infectious smile and quick wit earned him a reputation as a much sought after speaker for various functions. During his long business career, he helped countless numbers of Charlestonians establish and maintain their credit at the beginning of the era of consumer credit and use of credit cards. He was known for employing high school students in his business and for his generosity to many charitable causes. Always humble, Bobby gave much credit for his success to his lifelong friend and assistant, Claire Snyder, who worked by Bobby's side for over 61 years until the day of his death. Throughout his life, he was dedicated to public service in the Charleston community. He participated in many civic activities, far too numerous to list. A few included his service as a board member and Chairman of St. Francis Hospital, the Lender's Exchange, Credit Managers Association, Consumer Credit Counseling Service, and the United Way. He was Past President of the Fellowship Society, Country Club of Charleston and Civitan. An astute businessman, he also provided advice and counsel to many individuals and businesses on financial matters. He was active in the National Association of Credit Bureaus and was one of the drafters of the Fair Credit Reporting Act. He served as a long-standing board member of Southern Bank, now a part of Wells Fargo. Former employees and board members of SouthTrust Bank elected him to serve as a founding board member of Harbor National Bank. He continued serving as the Bank's Chairman Emeritus until his death. He was also known in the legal community for providing assistance to many lawyers as a founder of the Juror Information Service. During his long and distinguished life, he received numerous awards, including the Order of the Palmetto in 1986, the Key to the City of New Orleans and a Kentucky Colonel. Just prior to his death, he was proud to be recognized by Brith Sholom Beth Israel for his service to the Charleston community. He was well known for friendship with many in the Jewish Community, notably longtime friend Henry Berlin. Though he never held public office, Bobby was active in many political campaigns. He was one of the South Carolina organizers of the Campaign for the Presidency of John F. Kennedy. He was also a close advisor to Congressmen L. Mendel Rivers and Tommy Hartnett. His political advice was sought after by many aspiring to public office. He was active in the campaigns of Governors Hollings, McNair, Edwards, Riley and Hodges. He was especially proud of his service as finance chairman for Marjorie Amos-Frazier, the first African American and first woman elected to Charleston County Council. They remained close friends over the years as did many members of the African American Community. He also was finance chair for former County Council Chairman Bob Clement , Sheriff Chuck Dawley and former Treasurer W.O. Thomas and Treasurer Andy Smith. He was an advisor to Mayors Summey, Hallman and Carmen Bunch. Bobby was best known as the original campaign finance Chairman for Mayor Joe Riley. He served in that capacity either officially or unofficially throughout Mayor Riley's career. During the Riley Administration, he served as one of the Mayor's closest advisors and served as Chairman of the Board of Firemasters, Local Development Corporation and numerous other initiatives during the Riley Administration. He enjoyed a close and very special relationship with Mayor Riley. It was a ritual for the two of them to enjoy fishing or playing a round of golf together early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Despite his busy schedule, the Mayor always found time to visit, often several times daily throughout the most difficult times of his illness. The two often bantered and challenged each other with their unique Irish wit although Bobby never found the Mayor's morning serenade to his liking. He was successful in so many areas of his life but his most important focus was on his Church and Family. A devout Catholic, Bobby attended Mass virtually every day and was one of the leaders of the weekly rosary group at St. Mary's Church, where he and his wife were life-long members. He also served as the finance chairman of the campaign to construct Blessed Sacrament Church. Bobby was blessed to be an advisor to now retired Bishop David Thompson. They became inseparable friends who spoke with each other every day, usually on the golf course. "Bishop T" shared Bobby's passion for golf and each often boasted about their prowess on and around the greens and their ability to "shoot their age." Bishop T provided Bobby with a cherished friendship for many years and was an inspiration and spiritual advisor during Bobby's protracted illness. He is survived by his wife of 71 wonderful, loving years Sadie daughters Bobbie Marie Fulmer (Dick), Cindy Masters (Ernie), Mary Bunch (Mark) and his sons Danny (Susie), Michael (Sha), Johnny (Paula), Stevie (Jamie) , 21 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren, and his brother, Al Molony (Jackie) . He was predeceased by his brothers, Gus, David and Joseph Molony and his sisters, Sister Margaretta Molony, Dorothy Ostapeck and Marjorie Bennett. The Family would like to give special thanks for the kind and comforting care from the Dynamic Duo Vanessa Middleton and Shelia Brown. And a special thanks for Odyssey Hospice's nurses Peggy and assistant Julia. The relatives and friends of Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Molony are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM, Monday, March 25, 2013, at St. Mary's Catholic Church. The Rite of Committal will follow at Mt. Pleasant Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends Sunday afternoon betwen 4:00 and 7:00 PM at the James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Hwy. The Rosary will be recited at 7:00 PM. Memorial contributrions may be made to St. Mary's Church Restoration Fund, 89 Hasell St. Charleston, SC 29401. His Guestbook may be signed at www.james amcalister.com. Arrangements by JAMES A. MCALISTER Funerals & Cremation. (843) 766-1365.